NEW Hibs hitman Roy O’Donovan has vowed to make it second time lucky in the SPL.

The journeyman striker moved to Easter Road on loan from Coventry on transfer deadline day.

The 26-year-old, whohas played for the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 and B international levels, insists he will fulfil his potential this time round after being labelled a flop during a spell at Dundee United in 2008.

O’Donovan, signed by Roy Keane for Sunderland for a League of Ireland record fee of 500,000 euros from Cork City in 2007, knows he has failed to live up to his billing as a striker of repute having also had stints at Blackpool, Southend, Hartlepool and Coventry.

He scored just one goal in 11 appearances for United and the move turned sour after he was sent off and failed to win back his place in the side following that suspension.

His loan spell was then cut short in late December when he was one of three player recalled bySunderland due to injuries to their first-team squad.

But O’Donovan insists he has learned a lot from his previous experience in the SPL and is sure he can score goals and be a success at Easter Road.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for me as Hibs are a fantastic club. They have a great history and I have had a look around and I have been impressed.

“I know Pat Fenlon’s history from the League of Ireland – I’ve played against his teams many times.

“I’m very positive about this move. I’m really looking forward to being a success at Hibs and I believe good things can happen between now and the end of the season.

“I played against Hibs in the past when I was at Dundee United. It didn’t work out for me at Tannadice and it’s fair to say it wasn’t the right fit – that’s probably the best way to put it.

“I didn’t make as much of an impact as I’d have wanted but I’m a stronger person for the experience of having played in the SPL.

“I’m the kind of striker who plays on the shoulder and puts defenders under lots of pressure.

“I believe I’ve made the right move coming to Hibs and I want to help this team become a successful one.

“Hopefully I can score some goals and make my mark in the SPL.”

Meanwhile, Peter Houston has told Johnny Russell sticking with United is his best option for now – because it will help him win a move to the big time.

The 21-year-old was a target for Celtic during the transfer window but the deadline passed with the striker still at Tannadice.

He’s been performing well in attack recently alongside skipper Jon Daly and is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of former team-mate David Goodwillie who won a big move to Blackburn last summer.

United boss Houston said: “There’s no doubt staying here is the best thing for Johnny. He’s a promising player but one who is still learning.

“And it’s only a few months ago that I felt the need to take him out of the team when his consistency dropped a wee bit.

“But in 18 months’ time he could do the kind of thing David Goodwillie did. What he’s got to add to his game is the amount of goals Goodie was able to score.

“We have one striker hitting double figures, Jon Daly, and Johnny can get there as well between now and the season’s end.

“At this moment staying with United to learn his trade is his best option.”